Intriguing Red Sox Hurler Gives Encouraging Update After Suffering Hamstring Injury
The Boston Red Sox got some good news on the injury front.
Boston left-handed hurler James Paxton returned to the mound for the first time in almost two years Friday afternoon and impressed but his outing was cut short after suffering a hamstring injury.
Paxton pitched 1 2/3 innings and didn't allow a hit or run before being taken out of the game. The 34-year-old impressed and his fastball even sat between 92-95 miles per hour. His day was cut short leading many to wonder if he would be ready for Opening Day and although that question hasn't been answered, Paxton did give an encouraging update on his hamstring on the latest episode of The Bradfo Show with WEEI's Rob Bradford.
"I know that it's mild," Paxton said to Bradford. "It's not going to be very long."
Although a concrete timeline hasn't been given, Red Sox manager Alex Cora also provided a positive update on the lefty, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne.
"Just getting better," Cora said. "Treatment-wise, they are doing a little more stuff. (Paxton) from his knees threw yesterday. (Connor Wong) has been running in the pool. He did a few agility drills yesterday. Better than what we expected but we have to be cautious about it."
If Paxton can return to the mound sooner rather than later, he could be a big help for Boston. The Red Sox's starting rotation had a roller coaster of a year in 2022 and a fully healthy Paxton could help improve it. His last fully healthy season was in 2019 when he finished 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA for the New York Yankees in 29 starts.
Paxton has American League East experience and could add an extra dimension to the Red Sox -- either in the rotation or bullpen -- as a lefty. Hopefully, the hamstring injury doesn't slow him down too much because he looked good in his Grapefruit League debut.
We should know more soon about Paxton, but at least all of the news so far about the injury has been positive.
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